Autisic

[Blue0177]

Hi I’m Alicia I’m 23 and autisic im really struggling at the moment I feel like no one understands me I’m having to mask every single day I’m tired overwhelmed and that’s not even the half of it I can’t even find a job that I’m gonna enjoy and it be okay for me to work I don’t know what else to even write because I have so much I want to say I feel like I can’t even talk to anyone about anything without people getting angry

[Bee-bop]

Hi Alicia,What things do you enjoy doing when you are not feeling so overwhelmed? Sometimes people can neglect doing things they enjowuich leads to more feelings of being overwhelmed which so, doing things you like is important to helping the situation. Do you live with family or get along ok with family to talk to them or do feel that you could talk with your doctor about how you are feeling or are you ok on the telephone and could speak to someone on a support line ?

Sometimes it is hard to even think when overwhelmed and you can end up in burn out. Take time to be gentle with yourself and do sensory things that relax you. If that is having a day under he duvet, do that. Having a bath , eating foods you enjoy, watching a film/series/YouTube you like, arts and crafts, gardening. Fidget toys, plushies. Anything where you can calm your system down.

When my daughter is overwhelmed she will see things similarly to you. She will feel I will get angry but, I explain I am not angry but am sometimes abrupt if I am not expecting something or am tired myself. I would much rather her talk to me and us work through things than her struggle in her room. We have guinea pigs and I will take one to her when she is very overwhelmed. Sometimes it will still take time for her system to calm but, stroking the guinea pig or it even wondering around on her bed helps. Do you have animals?

[Blue0177 in reply to Bee-bop]

This is super helpful thank you I used to have a rabbit but unfortunately he passed away not recently but when I was in secondary school

[Bee-bop in reply to Blue0177]

Ah, sorry about your rabbit. Did you feel the rabbit helped?

[Blue0177 in reply to Bee-bop]

Not really if I’m honest with you I feel that dogs help more tbh

[Bee-bop in reply to Blue0177]

My daughter did some volunteering at an animal shelter to get some experience with dogs. Is that something you might do or do you know anyone with a dog?

[Blue0177]

I know people with dogs and that’s nice I’m planning on doing vollentearing in a library I’m quite nervous because I’m leaving my job as it’s too much for me I’m just a little nervous bout what my partner would say

[Bee-bop in reply to Blue0177]

Ah, ok. Have you left your job already? I am wondering if there's any reasonable adjustments your employer could make to help you in your current job is all.

[Blue0177 in reply to Bee-bop]

I haven’t left yet but I’m leaving on the 30th of November

[Bee-bop in reply to Blue0177]

Ok. Have you already contacted the library for the volunteering? Two of my other children did their work experience at the library and liked it there. I hope it helps you feel more settled and less overwhelmed than your current job.

[Bournemouth1969]

I feel you. I am in the same situation. I don't know rules here. I don't k ow much yet. But I can talk if you want an ear and a friend